Our depots around the country have been marking Bus Driver Appreciation Day for 2025. It’s our way of recognising and thanking the 2,500 drivers who are the public face of our operations.
From daily school runs to commuter services, tours, charters and linking regions across the motu – none of it would be possible without the hard work and commitment of our driving teams.
They bring skill, patience, focus and a lot of genuine kindness and care for their passengers, every journey.
Ritchies driver Brando Toro says it’s the people who board the bus each day and their appreciation that makes the job so enjoyable. “I like to feel that I am helping people, telling them where they need to go. Tourists for example want to know where to go, which bus to take.”
Brandon’s just over a year in his career with Ritchies. “It feels nice when people say thank you or having a good day. You drive them safely, they’re comfortable. It feels good.”
Work with purpose
Transport networks around the country rely on the dedication of our drivers to get their vehicles from stop-to-stop safely and on schedule.
It’s encouraging to see so many passengers going out of their way to thank their drivers and motorists too showing respect and letting buses take some priority on the roads.
Brando says bus driving is not only a rewarding career for that people contact, but it has a couple of other positives. In Auckland alone around 250,000 passengers use buses to get around the city every week day, helping reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions.
- Every bus on the road, means less people in private cars and that is great for the environment.
- It is also an industry that is always needing people, so it can be a fulfilling lifelong career full of opportunity.
At Ritchies, we train good drivers to gain the credentials they need and there is pay while you learn. Head to our careers page to find out more about how you could Join us.
